The Crone of Arcane Cinders

Myrtlewood Crones #5

by Iris Beaglehole

Delia Spark has faced her fair share of drama both on and off the stage. But just as she's getting used to being a powerful fire crone, life throws her a twist that would challenge any mother's heart.

Contending with revelations about her family's magical legacy, and her impending divorce from her cult-leader ex, Delia must navigate treacherous magical politics, confront long-buried secrets, and race to find the fire dragon before its ancient power falls into the wrong hands.

Accompanied by her brooding immortal warrior, the playful banter of her fellow Crones, and one particularly sarcastic demon cat, Delia discovers that magic lies not just in power, but in embracing the messy, complicated, and sometimes absurd beauty of life.

The fifth installment of The Crones of Myrtlewood series weaves together theatrical flair, warm humor, and deep emotion as Delia faces her most personal - and dangerous - adventure yet.

Genres: Fantasy

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2025

Reviews

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the reasons I like this series is because of the friendship and caring the characters all have for one another, which isn’t always my go-to in a book. Starting the journey to “cronehood” myself also is one of the reasons I like this series, but I digress. This latest installment is a book of revelations, endings, and new beginnings for the characters, and while some threats have been eliminated, there are still threats to deal with. There isn’t much movement in the plot for most of the book, but the end is a flurry of movement. I enjoyed this book, and I look forward to the next installment. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This seemed to be a quick read for me. It bounced from action to action almost like a checklist. The Crimson "Jerry" was the ultimate overly dramatic villain, the Sisterhood group seemed to be about 2-steps behind and waffled about how bad they wanted to be. The Crones seemed to step in just the right spots each time, with someone always coming to rescue them at the last minute at times. I just don't get it when they are in the "ultimate battle" and 2 enemies have time to throw snarky comments back and forth trying to one-up each other. It just seems out of place. Anyway- one more to go. No rush.

[Lucy Garcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ah, i wish for more

There is more -- family, love, power, even a little intrigue and more danger and action. But these women have it too, too easy. There's no losses to be regretted and questioned, no defeats to be overcome through more careful planning. More outreach to their allies, more joint work on the mysteries in the grimoires. They study separately and surprise each other. Why? The Crones do everything flying by the seat of their pants, hoping their love and friendship will conquer all. I wish for more maturity shown, not claimed.

[Becky Brook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iris weaves a great story around these crones showing not just them but the men around them, and perspectives from their enemies, and loves. It has magic, grounding, action, romance, growth, friendship, heart, dragons, family, and a variety of supernatural beings. There's drama ... literally, as Delia is a director. It's great to see the strengthening friendships through these books. The story moves at a natural pace, combining all the elements to the conclusion of this book. I'd love to see how the children progress and look forward to the last installment of the crones later this year!

[Marion Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

excitement all the way

The 5th Crone book in the series brings adventure, mystery, answers and friends, new and old, together.
I love this series, I identify with the crones as a woman of a similar age and really just wish I could be one of them.
Thank you Iris for your amazing writing and fascinating storytelling skills. I look forward to number 6 xx

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mystery and Coming to Battle

So much to do. Find the Fire Dragon,
Deli has to find her Grimroe which her aunt has. Also deal with divorce fro her mad exe husband in a Magical Court. Her daughter is having problems and she doesn't know what is happening. What else could go wrong?

[Sandra Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crone Power at its best

The Myrtlewood Crohn’s do not disappoint. It’s one magical dilemma after another. Agatha, Ingrid, Marjie and Delia are not daunted and will not be stopped by an evil brotherhood our sisterhood and you know what they say about a woman scorned. Beware. You will be entertained.

[Rosemary Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved the Crones series

Wonderful to have a series about not so young ladies who face trials and tribulations and just grow more magnificent and powerful. They aslo become good friends who are more powerful together than apart.

[Imelda Entract · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional imagination

I love these stories, they are dramatic and absorbing. The characters are well drawn and the magic holds my total attention. High fantasy recommended to fans of the genre

[Gwen Godfrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous Adventure

Once again Iris has produced a story that blends magic and emotion in an exhilarating adventure. Loved it! Delighted to hear she envisages one last adventure for the Crones.

[Mr & · Rating 5 out of 5]

another enjoyable read

And so the story continues with the fabulous characters of Myrtlewood
I’m really looking forward to no.6
This series is full of fun easy reads that get me hooked

[Leanne M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book!

Wouldn’t it be lovely to have a cup of tea with Marjie in her tea shop? The tone of the book makes me feel like I’m visiting an old friend. Thank you creating this world!

[Tonya Roberson Roberson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one might singe your fingers...

Love it! Another awesome book from this series. New revelations, secrets unveiled. Betrayal and unexpected help. The Crones are learning so much about their elemental magick. It's great.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

The plot thickens, complicates, & all consumes.
Can’t wait for the next in the series.
Love the crones, each & everyone.

[janece collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best one yet!

Iris has outdone herself with this novel, it's exciting and funny. I loved every minute of it, can't wait for the next one!

[Janie Lappin · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read good story with twists

Each book gets better and there are some lovely twists in this one it finished too soon and already waiting for the next instalment

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant series very easy read but not easy to put down !

[Olive Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

This is a fast paced story with many character.s. it was a good lead into the final book in the series.

[Cindy Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Loveable story with amazingly brilliant characters woven to make a wonderful storied tapestry filled with love, betrayal, adventure and loss.

[Antoinette Ouellette · Rating 5 out of 5]

love

Love this series truly magical and so fun to to read great job please write about the crones I love this series

[Kate Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant book

Absolutely smashing book, I thoroughly enjoyed the next instalment in the Crones adventure. This is one series I don’t want to end.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book

This book pulls together different stories within the series and makes them make sense. Lovely cadence throughout, I can't wait for the next book.

[Toni Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Looking forward to the next book to see how Delia hatches her dragon. Love all the characters and exciting situations.

[Law · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tea is Fire!

I loved every single drop of tea served in this magical book! Iris you magical adored herstorian..thank you! Bravo !

[Rose Descombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot story

I enjoyed this book very much, as I have all the previous books in the Crone series and the Myrtlewood series. I can't wait for the next instalment.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good as all of the others and I love the storyline!

[Ann-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic Story

Couldn’t put it down just like the others.
Loved hearing what happened next to The Crones.
Can’t wait for the next one.

[Jan Nerenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

Great series. I’m hoping there will be more adventures to come, an egg to hatch, a grimore to keep, and foes to defeat.

[Janet Vivien · Rating 5 out of 5]

intriguing

You will find this series entertaining and intriguing. I recommend it for all ages! I love this series very much!

[Mrs Helen I Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this set of books just a shame they wanted you to buy the last in the set.absorbing and the time just flew by when reading.would highly recommended this set